In construction bidding and estimating, time is of the essence. It’s crucial you have tools at your disposal to streamline manual processes, minimize rework, and put forth the best bid for the project. The right bidding and estimating software can set you up for success and help you win more bids. But with so many software options available, there are some key features and benefits you need to look out for.

Automation of tedious, manual tasks

Gone are the days of manual quantity takeoffs and tedious calculations. Look for software that can generate accurate material quantities. Make sure that the software has the calculators specific to your type of work so you’re not having to convert quantities that could be prone to error. By automating these tasks, contractors can allocate their resources more efficiently, focusing on value-added activities that contribute to the success of the bid. 

Eliminate estimate setup time

Look for software that can get your estimate started on the right foot. If you do a lot of DOT work, know that there are solutions out there that allow you to directly import bid items from DOT websites. It also comes in DOT’s standard formatting so you can submit items in the right format without having to revise the proposal. Watch the video below to see how easy it can be.

Faster execution in standardizing the estimating process

Even if you work in different sectors or industries, standardizing the bidding and estimating process is important. Build a repeatable process to consistently produce quality bids. Standardization of processes also makes it easier to train experienced estimators on software and train new estimators on the bid process itself. It can also make it easier to go after bigger bids, so it preserves business growth and change.

Templatized proposals

Most owners aren’t going to judge a book by its cover, but if you’re neck and neck with another bid and your proposal is better organized and looks more professional, it can move the needle. Many estimating and bidding programs have templatized proposals set up in their systems that help you submit professional, branded proposals with all the right information.

Look for options that provide templates and allow you to customize your own proposals too. That way, you can adjust the proposal based on the owner’s preference or requirements without it eating up too much of your time.

Leverage historical bid data

Look for a tool that can connect your estimating software with your project management software. With these two connected, you can look at production data and compare it to past bids. You’ll be able to better assess what was over or under budget once the project was underway. This data allows you to be more accurate, competitive, and profitable on future bids.

Utilize pre-construction software

The most competitive companies are using pre-construction software, and that’s for a good reason. Think of it as project and estimating management rolled into one tool. If you have a spreadsheet of current projects, it essentially keeps track of your pipeline and helps you determine your win vs. loss rate so you can go after the most profitable bids for your company.

See what bids were awarded, which ones are currently being estimated, and any prospective work – all in one dashboard. It helps estimators spend less time finding information in separate systems and manipulating the same data into different reports.

With a few clicks, they can pull comprehensive reports on business trends and answer executive questions about specific projects in record time. Talk about a win-win.